Ed Dunlop pays tribute to Ouija Board rider and yard stalwart Chris Hinson

Newmarket trainer Ed Dunlop has paid tribute to former long-time head lad Chris Hinson following the death of the 2007 stable employee of the year on Saturday aged 71 .

Hinson’s career in racing spanned 54 years, working for Paul Kelleway, Alex Scott, Ed Dunlop and Godolphin.

Hinson rode Epsom and Irish Oaks winner Ouija Board at home and accompanied her on her travels, which included two Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf successes and victory in the Hong Kong Vase.

Dunlop said: “Chris was an extremely important part of my life for a very long time and was a great head lad. He rode Ouija Board a lot and was key to her success. He was a wonderful man, very good to so many people and my staff.

“He was a very good friend and our condolences go out to his wife Julie and all his family.”

Debbie Catley, who works for Godolphin, added: “Winning stable employee of the year in 2007 was among many of Chris’s achievements during his career and he was a big part of the team here. He will be greatly missed by all his pre-training family.”

Those wishing to pay their respects are welcome to attend the funeral, which will take place at West Suffolk Crematorium, Risby, Bury St Edmunds at 3pm on Friday week followed by a celebration of Hinson’s life at the Racing Centre in Newmarket.

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